Lack Bedroom Desk or Dressing Table

Materials: LACK coffee table, HOPEN 4-drawer chest

Description: This is a very simple hack. I wanted a small desk in my bedroom, but didn't want an additional piece of furniture. Instead, I made this using pieces I already owned.

I removed the magazine shelf from a small LACK coffee table (article number 401.042.94) and attached it between two HOPEN 4-drawer chests (article number 801.295.89). The dressers are slightly deeper than the shelf, but I view this as a feature instead of a flaw: Lining up the three pieces so the fronts are flush gives a 1.75-inch space behind the desktop perfect for clipping a lamp and running cords.


Attach the shelf to the dressers using the same hardware that was holding it in place on the coffee table. To prevent damage to the sides of the dressers, drill four 1/8-inch pilot holes. I placed sticky notes on the dresser to make markings and lined up the brackets with the inside edges of the notes (this was easier than measuring). This puts the brackets about 3 inches from the edge of the desktop).

I also drilled 1/8-inch pilot holes in the bottom of the desktop, this time to make it easier to attach rather than for aesthetics.

As a bonus, I now use the coffee table in my closet. The table top acts as a shelf that's the perfect height to sit above laundry baskets.

Remember that this "desktop" is still just 1/2-inch particleboard made for storing magazines, so it definitely cannot hold something weighty like a television or book collection. In fact, I would recommend that you reinforce the desktop with additional larger angle brackets regardless of how you plan to use it. Also, note that the desk sits higher than a standard tabletop so you'll need a slightly-taller-than-usual seat (the dining chair in the picture sits about 4 inches too low to be comfortable).

Also, there's no reason why you need to purchase the LACK coffee table for this hack. IKEA's "as is" clearance bin has plenty of finished particleboard and hardwood pieces for $1 - $3.

~ Nick

My Hopen is Hopping !!!

Materials: Hopen 6 drawer Chest

Description: This is a fairly easy hack that can be tailored to your own taste and style. The Hopen Chest has drawers that are partially see through. I wanted to create a pattern that would create some privacy for my son's unmentionables. I simply created a diamond pattern on my computer and printed it on several sheets of card stock. I meticulously cut out each diamond and stuck it onto the contact paper which I had measured and pre-cut. I then mounted the sticky side to the inside of the drawer and viola there you have it. My Hopen is hopping!!!

See more of the hide my stuff Hopen chest.

~ Lesley C., Tennessee

HOPEN for some under-bed lighting

Materials: Hopen bed frame, Dioder LED light strips, foot-operated light switch.

Description: I installed Dioder led strips under the edge of my Hopen bed frame and then put a switch in the headboard for easy operation.

It was a pretty simple hack. Route out the area in the headboard that you want to install the switch and use the included adhesive pads to mount the LED strips under the bed. The whole hack took less than 2 hours and looks pretty nice.

The switch I selected is intended to operate lighting that's inconvenient to reach, so it's a foot-switch ($10 on Amazon). It takes very little force to operate and clicks on-and-off.

The only thing I'd want to do better in the future would be to source a switch that was darker in color so it'd blend in better. As it is, you can't see the hack under normal conditions, so I'm very happy with it.

See more photos of the Hopen underbed lighting.

~ Maximillian, Chico, CA

Hopen and Micke decoupage restyling

Materials: Hopen wardrobe, two little Micke desks

Description: Hi! I'm an architect and I love interior design and IKEA furniture. Sometimes I use to modify and personalize furniture by Ikea to adapt them to my projects...

Here you can give a look at one of my last works, the restyling of a children room. You can see a lot of furmiture by Ikea and the most beautiful ones are the one that I've modified with painting and decoupage. Micke desks and Hopen wardrobe!

If you want to see more visit my site about interior design.

This site is full of great ideas... i really like it!

~ Arch. Rachele Biancalani, Italy

Vinyl Records and CDs sideboard

Materials: Four nightstand tables HOPEN

Description:
1) I took out the feet of two tables
2) Put a right table on top of a left table and screwed them
3) Did the same with the other pair
4) Add some wood sticks to build a top at the open sides

~ Cristina, Estoril-Portugal

New Upholstered Headboard with Nailhead Trim

Materials: Hopen Bed, Plywood, Batting, Fabric, NailHead Trim

Description: We wanted to make an upholstered headboard for our Hopen Bed.

First step, after measuring the size of headboard that you want, lay out 3 layers of batting on the floor and cut the measurement leaving about 4 inches on each side to fold over. Staple all the way around pulling as tight as you can.



Second, lay your fabric out and do the same. Cut to size and leave about 4 inches all the way around. Staple onto your plywood. I started at the center and worked my way around. Make sure you pull tight with every staple. I used a leather like material {vinyl} that had a bunch of creases when I unfolded it. Pulling it tight got rid of the creases.

The final step in upholstering the board is the corners. I found that working with the vinyl is a little bit tricky. This material is thick and harder than fabric. I folded the corners in and stapled as cleanly as possible. It took a few tries it ended up coming out just right. The back side does not look great, but nobody is going to see that.

Once the entire board was covered, we sat it on our counter top and we were ready to apply the nailhead trim. I ordered the Nickel Nailhead Trim kit online from DIY Upholstery Supply for about $17.00 plus $13.00 in shipping. I figured this would be much easier than using individual nailheads. Using the nailhead trim, you only have to hammer in every 5 nails. It is also easier to keep a straight line.

As mentioned above we have the Ikea Hopen Bed. The headboard was super easy to take off. My husband just took off the screws that were attached to the bed.

With the extra piece of plywood, my husband used the table saw to cut three boards just under the height of the headboard. We wanted them to reach the floor just for extra anchor. He screwed these in, 4 screws total. Two at the bottom, two at the top of the bed frame.

Next, my husband attached the headboard to the wood slats. He also used 4 screws here. I applied pressure from the front side, while he pushed in the back. We wanted this to be as sturdy as possible.

The headboard rests on the bed frame perfectly.

Cost breakdown:

Vinyl Fabric in Whisper White-Joann's Fabric $20.00 on sale with extra 15% coupon (about 2 yards)

Batting 4oz weight 10 yard roll from Joann Fabrics $6.00 on sale with extra 15% coupon

Plywood scrap wood from Home Depot $4.00

Nailhead trim from DIY Upholstery $30.00 (due to shipping costs)

Total Cost $56.00

Check out my post for full details.

~ J&JHome, Florida

Classy built in bedroom

Materials: Effektiv, Hopen, Micke, Vika

Description: Once I figured out what I wanted to do this hack was pretty simple, knowing is half the battle. I used the Hopen 5 drawer units for the base Then I set the Micke drawers on top. On top of Micke I put an Effektiv cabinet with frosted glass doors. I mounted the Effektiv unit to the wall and screwed in two Vika legs under for extra support. Considering that I am going to be sleeping right next to this Ikea tower.

To add my classy details I used 2 rolls of damask printed wrapping paper from Target. On the glass drawers and doors I simply taped it on the inside. On the Micke drawers and on my wall I used Mod Podge (one of my favorite mediums) it can be found at any craft store.

~ Liz, CA